Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Leisure Suit Larry Goes Looking for Love continues the series’ tradition of point-and-click adventure, but introduces a more guided progression that steers Larry through a globe-trotting narrative. Gone is the sprawling, single-map exploration of the first game; instead, players move from location to location as dictated by the plot. This linear structure keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, although it can feel restrictive to those who enjoyed uncovering hidden locales at their own leisure.

The upgraded engine allows for full-screen graphics and mouse-driven movement, making interaction smoother than in the original Leisure Suit Larry. While the cursor controls are generally intuitive—click to walk, examine, or use an inventory item—some objects blend into the background too well, leading to pixel hunts that can stall progress. Fortunately, the number of critical puzzles is lower than before, so players spend less time juggling obscure inventory combinations and more time experiencing Larry’s comedic misadventures.

However, don’t mistake “fewer puzzles” for “easier play.” The sequel compensates with an increased array of fatal traps and sudden death screens. Whether you’re incorrectly handling a suspicious letter bomb from the KGB or misstepping around Doctor Noontonyt’s laboratory, the game keeps you on your toes. Frequent saving becomes essential—a hallmark of the genre, but notably more urgent here due to the heightened risk of Larry’s untimely demise.

Graphics

Visually, this installment marks a significant step up from the CGA visuals of the first game. The full-screen EGA graphics (and optional VGA palette on supported systems) deliver richer colors and finer character details. Larry’s bright leisure suit pops against tropical island sunsets and dimly lit Russian safe houses, enhancing the game’s cartoonish aesthetic.

Each new destination—be it the beaches of Hawaii or the back alleys of Moscow—boasts a distinct color palette and environmental flair. Backgrounds are hand-drawn with a lighthearted style that reinforces the game’s tongue-in-cheek tone. You won’t mistake this for modern realism, but the art direction succeeds in charming players with its retro, kitschy vibe.

Animation is serviceable rather than spectacular. Larry’s walk cycles and gesture animations are simple but expressive, highlighting his trademark bravado and occasional pratfalls. Scene transitions are instant with minimal loading delays, and mouse-based movement feels responsive enough to complement the graphical fidelity without frustrating lag.

Story

Picking up where Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards left off, this sequel throws Larry into a whirlwind of romantic rejection, international espionage, and mad science. After being dumped, penniless and womanless, our hapless hero inadvertently tangles with KGB agents, leading to a comedic chase across multiple continents. Meanwhile, the nefarious Doctor Noontonyt schemes from his secluded island lair, adding mad-scientist flair to the plot.

The narrative is delivered through witty dialogue, humorous character encounters, and cleverly staged cutscenes. Larry’s attempts at seduction are as cringe-worthy as they are hilarious, which longtime fans will appreciate. While the humor occasionally veers into politically incorrect territory—reflective of late-’80s design sensibilities—the writing remains consistently playful and purposefully over-the-top.

The pacing is brisk, with new characters and locales introduced at regular intervals. Although some players may wish for deeper story branches or more romance subplots, the tight structure ensures there’s never a dull moment. Whether you’re thwarting KGB goons or evading deadly beach traps, the story keeps you invested in Larry’s quest for love (and self-preservation).

Overall Experience

Leisure Suit Larry Goes Looking for Love (In Several Wrong Places) represents a fun, if occasionally unforgiving, evolution of the series. The move to a more linear progression streamlines the adventure, while the upgraded engine and richer visuals give the game a fresh coat of paint. Fans of classic point-and-click titles will appreciate the heightened stakes and global scope.

That said, modern players should be prepared for dated mechanics and a fair share of trial-and-error gameplay. The abundance of lethal traps makes frequent saving a necessity, and some puzzles still rely on pixel-precise clicking or obscure item uses. If you’re new to retro adventures, expect a learning curve and a few frustrating restarts.

For enthusiasts of ’80s humor and nostalgic adventure design, this sequel offers a memorable romp through exotic locales and absurd situations. Larry’s misadventures remain as charmingly awkward as ever, delivering plenty of laughs even as they test your puzzle-solving patience. Overall, if you’re seeking a humorous, globe-trotting adventure and don’t mind a few dead ends—literally—this installment is a worthy addition to any classic gaming collection.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10